Fishing Calendar for May 2025: Days of the Best Bite.

May is the Time when nature awakens after winter, the water warms up, and fish become more active after spawning. It's particularly exciting to fish right now, but at the same time, it's important to remember the limitations and to treat nature responsibly.

To ensure successful fishing and to take full advantage of this month, 'Glavkom' has prepared a detailed fishing calendar for September.

Fishing Calendar for May 2025

For true fishing enthusiasts, the fishing calendar for May 2025 becomes an indispensable companion. This practical guide combines astronomical knowledge about the phases of the Moon, forecasts for bites, and the behavior of fish in Ukrainian waters. Thanks to accurate observations of natural rhythms and recommendations for bait and fishing spots, anglers can effectively plan their outings on the water and achieve impressive trophies.

Days of May 2025 According to Bite Activity

Best Bites:

• May 2-4;
• May 11-13;
• May 25-28.

Good Bites:

• May 5-7;
• May 14-16;
• May 24;
• May 29-30.

Poor Bites:

• May 1;
• May 8-10;
• May 17-19;
• May 22-23;
• May 31.

Bad Bites:

• May 9;
• May 20-21.

Phases of the Moon and Bites in May 2025

• May 1 – first quarter (fish activity is average);
• May 12 – full moon (intensified bites, especially of predatory fish);
• May 19 – last quarter (activity decreases);
• May 27 – new moon (possible rise in activity).

Which Fish Bite Best in May

In May, when nature finally awakens after winter, the waters are filled with life. The gradual warming of bodies of water stimulates fish to feed actively after spawning. Longer sunny days and moderate water temperatures create ideal conditions for successful fishing, and choosing the right location and bait becomes key to a good catch.

Non-Predatory Fish:

• Crucian Carp – one of the most active in May, especially in warm waters after warming.
• Bream – bites well in depths in rivers and reservoirs.
• Carp – begins to feed actively after spawning (depends on water temperature).
• Roach – especially active in medium and small rivers.
• Tench – comes out to feed in warm, overgrown waters.

Predatory Fish:

• Pike – actively caught in May after the end of spawning (in shallow water, near weeds).
• Perch – bites well in the morning and evening.
• Walleye – especially active after the full moon and closer to the end of the month when the water is still not too warm.

What is Best to Catch in May

In May, fish particularly actively respond to natural baits, as they need to regain strength after spawning:

For Non-Predatory Fish:

• Crucian Carp – semolina, dough, maggots, boiled corn.
• Bream – maggots, bloodworms, millet, flavored bait (cake, anise).
• Carp – sweet boilies (strawberry, vanilla), peas, corn.
• Roach – bloodworms, maggots, dough on the hook.
• Tench – bloodworms, worms, garlic-flavored dough.

For Predatory Fish:

• Pike – large wobblers, silicone baits (twisters), medium-sized spinners.
• Perch – small spinners, twisters, bloodworms on a jig.
• Walleye – dark-colored jig lures, medium live bait (roach, perch).

Brief Tips:

• In May, it's better not to use overly bright colors of baits for non-predatory fish – the water is still not very warm, and fish are cautious.
• Predators prefer contrasting lures in gloomy weather and natural colors in clear weather.
• Make bait moderately aromatic: too strong a smell can alarm the fish.

Best Fishing Spots in May 2025

Kiev Region

• Kaniv Reservoir – pike, walleye, perch.
• Desna River – bream, crucian carp, catfish.

Cherkasy Region

• Dnieper near Cherkasy – great spots for catching bream, walleye, and catfish.
• Kremenchuk Reservoir – carp, white amur, pike.

Odesa Region

• Dniester Liman – walleye, perch, crucian carp.
• Tiligul Liman – roach, crucian carp, carp.

Kharkiv Region

• Pechenezh Reservoir – perch, walleye, pike.

Lviv Region

• Striy River – trout, perch.
• Zadorozhne Lake – carp, amur.

Transcarpathia

• Tisa – trout, grayling, chub.
• Sinevir Lake – pike, perch.

Dnipro Region

• Samara Reservoir – catfish, walleye, crucian carp.
• Oril River – bream, crucian carp.

Poltava Region

• Psel River – perch, pike, bream.